The game day recycling program at Beaver Stadium
has been a helpful effort to divert recyclables
from the landfill, raise money for the Centre
County United Way and serve as a model for other
stadiums.
But not all fans seem to heed the relatively
simple message that blue bags are for recyclables
and clear bags are for non-recyclable trash.
Amy Schirf, education coordinator for the Centre
County Recycling and Refuse Authority, said the
blue recycling bags made available to tailgaters
in the Beaver Stadium lots often arrive at the
recycling processing facility contaminated with
non-recyclables, and that was particularly
noticeable after the season-opening game
Last Saturday.
"Most of the blue recycling bags from the PSU
tailgate lots are filled with trash," Schirf said.
"Many of the blue bags designated for recycling
will also contain food, liquid, diapers, bags
of dog feces, purses, bags, plastic wrap... really
anything that people bring to the tailgates
can be found in the recycling bags."
Penn State's Office of Physical Plant implemented
the recycling effort and is tasked with carrying
it out on game days. Ryan McCaughey, OPP's grounds
and equipment manager who oversees solid waste
management, said his team works closely with CCRRA
and has bags audited after every game.
"We have found that blue bags are generally 85
percent recycling," he said.
In addition to the blue recycling bins found around
the stadium and bins inside the stadium, OPP
crews put up A-frames around the more than 100
acres of parking lots to dispense recycling and
trash bags with information on what goes in which bag.
Penn State Athletics and OPP also have re-established
the Student Tailgate Ambassadors group, formerly
known as STATERS, which walks around to tailgates
to distribute bags.
"This group is promoting the message of proper bag
use and recycling encouragement to fans," said Jeff
Nelson, associate athletic director for strategic
communications.
He added that information on recycling is included
twice in the game day guide sent to season ticket
holders.
McCaughey said more can be done.